Near the corner of West Fillmore Street and North Cascade Avenue lies A-Wellness Centers, where you can find $10 grams, $35 eighths and $5 Keef Colas, "which is pretty cheap, I hear," says manager Tracie Willis. Massage will be offered in the future, but in the meantime look for clones, rubbing oils, healing salves and smoking accessories. And what should you try? "The Pot of Gold," says Willis. "It's indica-dominant. It's pretty good, because it makes you feel relaxed and you can still function, so it's got the good sativa high in there, too."

Advanced Cure for Vera Bestura — the last two words apparently meaning "well being" in Icelandic — offers a variety of edibles, including trail mix and granola bars, as well as a special on six clones for $100.

While the center's name is licensed from a Denver-based company, each Altitude Organic is independently owned and operated. The Old Colorado City location offers all organic strains, tinctures from TinctureBelle, lotions, and edibles such as brownies, trail mix, popcorn, Keef Cola and Head Bread. Strains are occasionally tested by Full Spectrum Laboratories, and Genovations. The South Nevada Avenue location says it offers a laid-back atmosphere, complete with lounge and big-screen TV. Expect $30 eighths, Medi Snacks, Keef Cola, and some hydroponic growing equipment. Among its roughly 25 strains, look for $40 grams of Caviar: medication infused with hash honey oil and rolled in keef.

Amendment 20 Caregivers

Strains: 14

Academy (North):
1600 N. Academy Blvd., Suite B, 434-0420

Hours: Monday-Saturday,
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In its "convenience store-type setting," Amendment 20 runs the gamut with its offerings: $250 ounces of Sour Diesel and AK-47; edibles like candies, cakes, sodas, ice cream and take-and-bake pizza; balms, tinctures, glassware, vaporizers, grinders, powdered hash, hash pills, seeds and clones. Additional services include counseling and grow consulting. "We want to do all that we can to help those fighting cancer with medical marijuana, because we believe that it helps," says the unnamed owner. Additionally, all strains are professionally tested.

Apothecare Medicinal Center

Strains: 12

Southgate: 526 S. Nevada Ave., 344-9435

Hours: Monday-Saturday,
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Renamed from La Casa Cannabis after being purchased by Nicole Romero, Apothecare offers 10 percent off all product for members and a free joint with membership, not to mention edibles, tinctures, pipes, papers, pre-rolled joints and jewelry. "[We provide] discretion, confidentiality and a friendly, educated staff," says Romero.

KC Stark's Aromas and Herbs is now housed in a new, bigger space, but the center's original ethos of "discreet and upscale" still stands. Enjoy acupuncture, massage, aromatherapy and Reiki treatments. "It's 100 percent Colorado, every penny we spend," says Stark. Look for a full line of edibles and roughly 20 strains.

Best Budz

Strains: 6

Academy (North): 4150 Austin Bluffs Pkwy., #4132, 598-0168

Hours: Monday-Saturday,
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Located on the northeast corner of Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard, Best Budz provides clones, edibles, drinks, hash and tinctures. Customers have mentioned lower pricing here than at other dispensaries, says one employee, who also says cooking and grow classes are likely to come in the future.

When not being confused with a "clean, professional and upscale" doctor's office, Joe DiFabio's BWC is churning out the care: edibles, tinctures, cannacaps, sodas, candy bars, creams and lotions, not to mention acupuncture services. "We try to be the total wellness center for our patients — we bend over backward for patients," DiFabio says. "We do whatever it takes to make them feel safe and secure."

Caregivers at Canna say all the house strains are Colorado-grown and organic. "What people like is that we are medical in nature. We're located in a medical building, not just a retail store," says center owner Tyla Reimers. "It seems to be what sets us apart for our patients." Canna offers all the amenities of a full-service center, including a wide array of edibles from Discreet Treats, other baked goods and lotions. "We are fully complying with the state of Colorado, and the city of Colorado Springs, and we're not going anywhere. We plan on being around," Reimers says.

Canna Meds has a message for other dispensaries that claim 30 varieties of marijuana: "It all comes down to about 12 to 15 parent strains," says owner Ken Brauner. "All the rest are named by someone who doesn't know what they're doing." Billed as "a full wellness center," CMWC offers all the usual tinctures, rubs and edibles, and Brauner's wife, an amazing cook, has created over 40 pre-packaged meals.

Canna-Pothecary

Strains: 10 to 12

OCC: 1730 W. Colorado Ave., 633-2511

Hours: Monday-Saturday,
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Canna-Pothecary carries an extensive line of cancer-related products: items for women undergoing chemotherapy, headwear, bracelets, pins, car magnets, hats, shirts and other awareness items. Also look for 12 varieties of bud, as well as edibles like brownies, drinks and candies. "Our Blueberry [strain] is practically legendary, but we're [still] almost sold out from it," says co-owner Barbara Haas.

Located near Peterson Air Force Base, Cannabicare is offering a dozen strains, as well as smoking accessories and edibles. Says employee Julie (last name withheld): "We're geared toward patients in need, and not recreational users."

Cannabinoids Medical Marijuana Center

Strains: 17

Central: 516 Arrawanna St., 344-9461

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Though the owners previously were solely growers, patient services now abound at Cannabinoids Medical Marijuana Center, with massage therapy and aesthetic services all available. Look for assorted edibles, tinctures, grow and cooking classes, as well as general information on medical marijuana. Manager Paul Watson says the center charges less markup on medication than others, and that his wife is starting a nonprofit, Colorado Moms for Marijuana, "to build a better understanding of dispensary owning for families."

Employee Jay Sanner says Cannabis Therapeutics is the oldest center in the state of Colorado. It boasts its own lab for THC-sample testing — in-house or patient-provided — and offers more products than there are letters in the word "tetrahydrocannabinol." Consider: varieties of clones and mother plants; medicated bubble bath, shower scrubs and hand soaps; tinctures and glycerins; THC sprays and drops; roll-ons, rubs and salves; and candies, bubble gum and suckers. For other forms of intake, look for papers, blunts, wraps, rolls, cones, one-hitters, dugouts, water pipes, bongs, double bubblers and vaporizers all sent out the door in non-odorous, waterproof bags. Add in the provided massage and yoga, and the care provided here is ridonkulous.

This 10-month-old center offers "the cheapest prices in town, and the best quality," according to one employee. Look for assorted edibles, pre-rolled joints, daily specials on 10 different strains, vaporizers, pipes, grinders, lotions and clones. Then look for medicated sodas, soaps and lotions. A potentially good sign: One employee was almost too busy to speak with us.

Roughly a year old, and tucked behind a 7-Eleven at the northeast corner of Fountain Boulevard and Jet Wing Drive, Cannacare serves patients' needs with edibles, sodas, ice cream and, of course, the leaf. Though still down its masseuse, the center remains in the market for another. Specific discounts are no longer offered, but an employee says prices have dropped so low, they're no longer needed.

Members receive special pricing, with 50 percent off purchases for an entire year, according to owner Rudi (last name withheld). He says the center focuses on offering high-quality strains loaded with THC, but also stocks general edibles, including brownies and cookies.

Colorado Cannabis Caregivers

Strains: 30

Downtown: 2203 N. Weber St., 634-7389

Hours: Monday-Friday,
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CCC features "edibles that are guaranteed to work," says employee Ben Mitton, as well as hard candies, vaporizers, glass pipes and medicated lip balms. They have been serving the medical marijuana community since August 2009; look for $25-to-$60 locally grown eighths. "When people see our selection, they'll find out we're one of the better [dispensaries] in town," Mitton says. Though walk-ins are technically welcome, a phone call 15 minutes prior to arrival is appreciated.

One of the few Teller County dispensaries, Comfort Care Centers invites all comers, but tends to cater to senior citizens, through educational classes and a 10-percent-off discount for senior citizens. Look for staple strains such as AK-47, Grand Daddy Purple, Sour Diesel and Island Sweet Skunk, as well as varied edibles, tinctures, bath teas and lotions.

CTS bills itself as a "full-service wellness center," and with a staff of licensed therapists, and available in-house massage, chiropractic, nutritional and acupuncture practitioners, it's easy to see why. In addition to the usual tinctures, oils, edibles, vaporizers and pipes, Compassionate also specializes in tests studying which medicated products are more effective for various situations and ailments. Membership is requested, but not required, to obtain medication; call before visiting.

Crossroads MMC

Strains: 10

Central: 176 Talamine Court, #110, 219-0054

Hours: Monday-Saturday,
noon to 7 p.m.;
Sunday, by appointment only

"We're pretty much focused on being really secluded," says owner Triton Gulczynski. "We're not trying to be out there on the street." Crossroads is located in an industrial park, and has a coffee-shop feel — complete with non-medicated coffee — says the owner. His favorite strains are the Master Kush, the Romulan and the Mango Kush. Also look for edibles. "We'd like a little more of the stable clientele who likes the discreetness of the area, and isn't looking for any sleazy on-the-street deals," says Gulczynski.

After $250,000 in renovations, Eagle's Nest Wellness Center held its grand opening in the old Swiss Miss building on Aug. 20. Owner, priest and biochemist Lono Ho'ala was forced to move his established Eagle's Nest retreat due to zoning issues, and picked the area landmark as the new site for his holistic and naturopathic medicines, nature walks and "rational, reality-based classes." There's also a dispensary, which the religion of Ho'ala Huna considers a natural offshoot of its practice.

EWAM says it caters to the older crowd of patients, who may not feel comfortable shopping at a medical marijuana center where the staff is "loaded." "We really pride ourselves on [being] one of the safest and most comfortable environments for people," says co-owner Bill (last name withheld). Look for edibles, tinctures, lotions, smokeables, pipes and vaporizers, not to mention, according to Bill, "the best fudge in town."

Emerald City Wellness

Strains: 10 to 20

Cheyenne Mountain: 1353 S. Eighth St., #102, 344-8046

Hours: Monday-Saturday,
noon to 7 p.m.

Discreetly located in the basement of an Eighth Street office complex, Emerald City brings a sterile "clinic feel" (read: suit-and-tie employees, security doors) and says it is House Bill 1284 compliant. An oxygen bar installed in mid-April offers relief from insomnia, pain and ADHD, among other ailments, while a house-made line of edibles — infused lemonade, yummy gummies and "cannagliss" (tincture-filled straws), as well as traditionals — takes care of the rest. ECW also serves as an information base for the MMJ-advocacy organization Americans for Safe Access.

Behind the Wendy's lies Enlightened Care, which co-owner Terry Moss describes as a "café-style" center, with a waiting room and a bar showcasing different medications. "We do offer referral services for our patients for anything they need; if they need somebody to go shopping with them, somebody to clean their house, we contact service providers for them," Moss says. Look for edibles, tinctures and oils, and private patient rooms.

A representative for Epic Medical says its blueberry muffins are known area-wide, not to mention its selection of medicated popcorn, hard candies, cookies and rice marshmallow treats. In addition to its line of dense medication, the center champions charitable causes, specifically its Patients for Patients program, where the center collects money to help improve the lives of its patients.

FLOOBIES — standing for "Fulfilling Life on Our Best Indica, Edibles and Sativa" — started offering edibles, various strains, vaporizers and sensual oils in mid-April. Look for massage, raindrop and Reiki therapy, as well as medicated soda made in-house.

FRAM

Strains: 30

Northwest: 5913 N. Nevada Ave., 213-0118

Hours: Monday-Saturday,
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Standing for Front Range Alternative Medicine, FRAM offers a "match 'em" policy every day to all patients — designated or not — where medication purchases are matched by the center (up to seven grams), as well as varying daily specials. FRAM provides hash, tinctures, edibles and Colorado-grown medication, as well as specialists in acupuncture, hot rock therapy, Reiki and deep tissue massage who will travel to a patient's location.

God's Own Garden

Strains: 16

Southgate: 419 E. Brookside St., 439-9983

Hours: Monday-Saturday,
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Originally located on the west side and known as "Miramed," God's Own Garden moved east to obtain a more secure location. "We're trying to present a doctor's office feel, but we decided security was the most important thing," says associate Michael Douglas. Look for "natural pain management, organic skin care using THC oils, and weight control through THC use," as well as four new, house-grown strains.

Garden of the Ganges Wellness Center

Strains: 8

OCC: 3620 W. Colorado Ave., 387-1420

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4:19 p.m.

Garden of the Ganges is named after an origin myth saying cannabis was first grown near the Ganges River some 3,000 years ago. With that, the center focuses solely on medical marijuana — no edibles or tinctures to be found here. An employee says the main strain to try is the Couch Lock, an indica-heavy medicine, lab tested at 25 percent THC.

Green Earth folks say they specialize in higher-end medicines and edibles. With one of the center owners being an ex-chef, that means house-made, gourmet chocolates and ice creams. You can also find a full line of rubs, tinctures and potent smokeables, among others. Look for an art-gallery feel and medical clinics every other Saturday.

From a free gram with the purchase of a fourth on Freebie Fridays, to $5 off an eighth on Wednesdays, the Green House offers a variety of specials. Owner Isaac Mavashev says the center has some of the cheapest vaporizers and pipes in town. It also offers a wide range of edibles including popsicles, olive oil, candies and hemp pills, as well as tinctures.

"We're big on the caregiving side," says one employee. "Our knowledge level is very high, and customers like our service when compared to other dispensaries." Located in a clinical-type facility near Tinseltown, Green Life provides organic edibles like brownies, pumpkin bread and raspberry granola, as well as tinctures, lotions and 15 varieties of clone. Look for its Spice strain: medication that's been soaked in hash oil, and rolled in keef. If that doesn't help, try medicated bubble bath, balms and a new wellness program from an in-house naturopathic doctor.

Green Love Wellness

Strains: 25

Central: 1930 E. Platte Ave., 465-1292

Hours: Daily, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Green Love wasn't exactly overflowing with information when we called, but we did determine it offers edibles and pipes, and that it opened within the last couple months. Specials include a free joint with purchase of an eighth or more, and the first 100 people to designate Green Love as caregiver get a free quarter of an ounce, and a free pipe.

Grow Life prefers to run a 50-50 split between indica and sativa strains, though it says both are 100 percent organic and soil-based (as opposed to hydroponically grown). It also sports exclusive growers so that each strain is unique to the center and may be purchased using VISA and MasterCard. Look for edibles as well as hand-blown glass pipes and a sliding-scale payment system based on the amount of medication purchased. Also, all eighths are less than $40 with caregiver designation, new patients benefit from a free edible, and further member discounts are available. Uniquely, Grow Life dedicates a wall to an artist of the month.

Happy Buddha Wellness

Strains: 13

Academy (North): 3612 Galley Road, 638-1888

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Manager Sarah [last name withheld] says that customers and industry folks call Happy Buddha "one of the nicer centers." She describes a pleasant atmosphere and a private location, next to offices for a dentist and massage therapist. There's private parking, and even private appointments available, if you prefer to purchase medication sans other patients. The center plans to be "one of the heavier carriers of edibles," she says, and is currently stocking items like ice cream, marshmallow squares, brownies, beef jerky, popcorn and more; the selection includes sugar- and gluten-free options as well. A word to the wise: "We've had a lot of patients come in that don't have all their paperwork," Sarah says. "And because we're completely compliant, we won't sell to anyone without all the paperwork."

Hatch first started in Highlands Ranch; it has since opened a Colorado Springs location near Peterson Air Force Base. Owner Dr. Eric Hatch says the center offers buds, clones, edibles and tinctures, and that patients should expect a professional and comfortable environment in which to purchase medication.

Healing Canna offers a large, well-lit waiting and reception area to patients who come to take advantage of the varying daily specials. (A good day to visit would be "Twisted Thursdays," when a purchase of an eighth of an ounce or more nets a free, pre-rolled AK-47 joint.) Members receive even greater discounts, and access to a large selection of edibles and house-made bubble hash. The center only sells to patients age 21 and over, and gives 10 percent off to disabled vets. Check its website for daily menu updates.

The Healthy Connections

Strains: 20

OCC: 1602 W. Colorado Ave.,
203-6004

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Two-month-old center the Healthy Connections offers 10 to 20 strains, including Strawberry Cough, White Berry and Rock Bud, as well as edibles like lemon bars, double-strength brownies, chocolate, peanut butter, toffee squares and snickerdoodles. The center also claims to be the exclusive Colorado Springs distributor of the Green Dragon drink.

"I truly care, and I'm not in it for the money," says Chris Crider, co-owner of the Herb Shoppe. In that spirit, three-month-old THS offers $35 eighths on all strains, and free yoga. Also look for edibles like hash oil, coconut oil, hash pills, toffee, brownies, chocolates, pretzel sticks and sodas.

The Herban Center

Strains: 10

Academy (South): 6530 S.
Academy Blvd., #110, 540-6000

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

If you happen to be searching for a new caregiver, you might consider the Herban Center: If you transfer to its service, you'll receive an eighth of top-shelf product for free. Others receive a free gram of medication if they refer a friend, and any purchase over $20 nets a free edible, such as a brownie, carrot cake, banana bread, canna butter, medicated sucker or Keef Cola.

Sporting easily the most entertaining website in this guide, not to mention edibles like chocolate crinkles and brownies made in-house, nine-month-old High Mountain also offers discounts galore. For instance: Free joints on Monday and Friday with any eighth purchase; 10 percent off on your first visit; 10 percent off for military, the elderly and those with disabilities; and 20 percent off permanently, once High Mountain is named your caregiver. Look for clones, lotions and soaps in addition to regular medicinal options like house-created Hit Man and Sour Bubble strains. Note: Eighths typically run $32 to $40.

Open since the beginning of April, JP offers a "very cool, very clean" atmosphere in which to purchase medication. A dual waiting room procedure shows an emphasis on patient confidentiality, while free drinks and pastries are available for the peckish. Join its VIP "Frequent Higher" program to earn additional percentage points off medication, and get a free gram if you name JP as your primary caregiver. Also grab snacks, sack lunches and drinks for all patients.

MC Caregivers is a (very) private and (very) discreet, House Bill 1284-compliant medical marijuana center that declined to provide specifics on its offerings. Its website reports continuing education and cannabis cooking classes as well as ongoing patient consultation. Also look for cannabis, accessories, edibles, and topical lotions and oils.

Mercy Wellness Center

Strains: 15 to 20

Central: 417 N. Circle Drive,
667-1111

Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Originally started by Cathey DeRosa, Mercy Wellness Center was purchased by Jan Nelson in June. Members still enjoy lower prices on products like tinctures, salves, edibles, cooking oils and butter. For a closer look, it has a microscope through which patients may view their medication magnified 200 times. Nelson has also instituted prescription bottles that can be refilled with a $5 discount. Otherwise, all its top-shelf eighths are $45 for members, with additional discounts available.

Mountain High Medical Caregivers

Strains: 15

Northwest: 4325 N. Nevada Ave., 344-5698

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Opened right before the deadline madness hit, and tucked between a car wash and a La Casita Patio Café, Mountain High Medical offers $40 eighths to all, and $35 eighths to patients who designate the center as caregiver. There's no price variance between strains, but there is an extensive lineup of edibles, including drinks and pizzas.

Located right on the corner of Centennial Boulevard and North 30th Street, Mountain Made Meds owner Patrick Warren says to expect all top-shelf meds, as well as clones, edibles, tinctures and hash. "You're pretty much going to get a one-stop shop," Warren says.

At the corner of Garden of the Gods Road and Interstate 25 lies Mountain Med Club. Look for Keef Cola, cookies, medicated teas, candy bars, herb scopes, natural rolling papers, glass storage containers and an "amazing" Sour Diesel strain. Members enjoy a free eighth of an ounce on their birthday, as well as a discount for using an MMC-purchased stash jar. For privacy, the center offers separate rooms for all its services.

Co-owner Vanessa Haakenson says she didn't enter the MMJ business to make money. "We're kind of a unique mom-and-son team," she says, "and I've had several family members with cancer, so that's why we got involved." The center takes a holistic approach to healing, and offers various discounts to those who designate it as their caregiver. Look for infused butter, medicated teas, bottled drinks, lotions and rubs.

Mountain View Cannabis

Strains: 20

Central: 21 N. Circle Drive,
471-4357

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Tucked in among three other businesses on North Circle Drive, Mountain View stands out with low-priced medication for some members (ounces from $200 to $250), edibles and tinctures. Patients who designate Mountain View as caregiver are eligible for a variety of discounts, with restrictions.

Natural Advantage offers edibles, hard candies, brownies, tinctures, lotions, potions and teas, in addition to in-house chiropractic care, massage therapy, information on natural herbal medicine, lifestyle and pain counseling, and doctor referrals. Members get 10 percent off all products, including books and T-shirts, and are also eligible to purchase ounces of medication at wholesale prices.

Natural Mystic Cannabis Caregivers

Strains: 22

Downtown:416 E. Colorado Ave., #101, 203-5094

Hours: Monday-Saturday,
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Natural Mystic says it tries to match an individual strain to each patient's ailment. It offers a discreet location, tinctures and has been working with MMJ patients for over 10 years, says one employee. Currently, no edibles are available, though that will likely change in the future. Look for the center's Purple Urkle strain.

Natural Remedies "understands the need for discretion and privacy" and focuses "more on providing excellent customer service, and less on the bottom line," according to a statement on its website. Employee Leah says it offers daily specials; strains like Burgundy Goo and Grand Daddy Purple X Mango; tinctures, plant seeds and various pipes; and edibles like brownies, peanut butter cups, truffles and s'mores. Prices for eighths run $35 to $50.

Nature's Way

Strains: 40

Academy (North): 5012 N.
Academy Blvd., 531-6337

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Offering "mostly organic, soil-grown" medical marijuana, Nature's Way runs $40 specials for an eighth of an ounce of its top-shelf medication. You can also find edibles such as butter, cooking oil, cookies, Chex Mix, brownies, suckers and hard candies, as well as vitamins, hash, pipes and joints. Members get $25 specials on eighths, and free joints on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Old World Pharm

Strains: 10 to 15

Academy (North): 3605 E.
Platte Ave., 393-3899

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Owner Kenny Brock, whose mantra is "We believe nature does it best," opened Old World Pharm 11 months ago in hopes of creating a "hometown pharmacy" feel. Its organic strains are grown locally, and the staff is available to answer all growing-related questions. It also offers high-quality medical marijuana edibles and tinctures, and Brock's own invention: TincStix, which are like honey sticks, but filled with 100 percent indica or sativa tinctures. Look for Maui Wowie, and Sweet Island strains. "We have a highly knowledgeable staff to help you select medicine for specific needs," Brock says.

In addition to Organic Solutions' all-organic, all-locally grown marijuana, it offers edibles, tinctures, rubs, lip balms, smoking utensils and clones. (Watch for upcoming growing classes.) Among specials are 15 percent discounts for members, $15 grams and all-the-time eighths for $40, plus an assistance program for those who need help paying the bill. Oh, and one more thing: Look this far and no farther for all your medicated Slurpee needs.

Original Cannabis Growers — whose motto is "Private, friendly and discreet" — recently expanded into a remodeled, 1,800-square-foot building. If you choose OCG as your caregiver, reps will work with you to get your medical marijuana license for $75. Other deals include $10 "grade A" grams to members ($5 "grade B" grams), and $275 ounces. Edibles for $2, pills, keef and hash also available.

Pikes Peak specializes in treating hospice and cancer patients as well as those with disabilities. If you choose PPAHW as your caregiver, plants are grown specifically for your ailment. There are also grow classes, and patients can purchase clones and growing supplies. Only raw materials — like extracted oils and canna butter — go into the center's homemade treats, which include brownies, four flavors of muffins, and massively popular truffles. For further medicating needs, look for tinctures, capsules, candy bars, hash and hard candies.

Pikes Peak Cannabis Caregivers

Strains: 32

Academy (South): 3715 Drennan Road, 216-5452

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.
to 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

In addition to top-shelf medical marijuana, Pikes Peak Cannabis Caregivers offers a wide array of tinctures, bubble hash, THC pills and 11 varieties of tea. Its edibles include eight kinds of brownies, plus pizza, candies, fudge, chocolates, ice cream, marinara sauce, Chex Mix, caramel popcorn and soda. Glassware and vaporizers are also available at wholesale prices. First-time customers who buy an eighth get a joint and pipe free; so do customers who refer a friend. Strains include Sour Sage and White Widow.

Pikes Peak Natural Wonders

Strains: 15 to 20

Northwest: 4157 Centennial Blvd., 375-8887

Hours: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to
7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

PPNW offers a massage therapist on site, as well as physician visits every Thursday and Saturday. Edibles include lemonade, gourmet soups and candies; expect more offerings in the future. "We're all about wellness," says Michelle, the office manager. Look for tinctures from TinctureBelle, a safe location and a gift shop of non-medicated items.

Rocky Mountain Herbal Health Center offers at least 10 strains and a focus on patients. "We came into this looking to provide a really open, nice atmosphere with a super-friendly staff for people to come in and not be intimated," says one budtender who wished to go unnamed. "Not for people to feel like it's a backstreet drug deal." Look for a full lineup of customizable edibles such as birthday cakes for diabetics, as well as $42 eighths all the time. Members get $10 grams, and e-mailed discounts are available, says the budtender, as are scheduled massage services for $25 per hour.

Roy's patients get free massages, and the center's growers donate pure cannabis oil for use by cancer patients. "We're here to help," says owner Roy Moots. "We try to open everybody's eyes to what this plant is and what it can do." Open since November, Roy's also offers edibles, tinctures, hash, pipes and vaporizers, and has recently expanded to offer as many as 85 different strains of medication.

S.S.I. originally opened in March as a delivery service catering to "seniors and shut-ins" — hence the name. It offers freebies galore: a 45-minute limo ride with the same-day purchase of $150 or more; buy-one-get-one-free deals for first-time patients; a free pre-rolled joint with any purchase of more than $40; and much more. Not to mention products from Discreet Treats, TinctureBelle and Healthy Creations.

Simple Care Wellness Center

Strains: 8

Academy (North): 8270 Razorback Road, 268-0612

Hours: Monday-Saturday,
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Opened at the end of July, Simple Care Wellness Center "focuses on the medication," says owner Keith Northwood. While it does carry pipes and the traditional edibles, the center is dedicated to patients and their specific medicinal needs, stocking "a variety of strains for anyone and everyone who needs them."

Strawberry Fields Alternative Health and Wellness

Strains: 35 to 40

OCC: 3404 W. Colorado Ave.,
471-2837

Hours: Monday-Saturday,
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

"We offer quality product at a great price," says owner Lori Faff. "It's one price for all strains." Faff is talking about the $32 member eighths for all strains the center offers; otherwise, non-members pay $40. Members also receive 20 percent off of the center's entire stock, including vaporizers, pipes and rolling papers. Beyond the leafy stuff, expect tinctures, oils and edibles like sodas, teas, candies and canna butter. Outside of patient care, Strawberry Fields is running a coat drive for the homeless, and has recently redesigned its logo. Overall: "We're getting really, really good feedback from our patients," says Faff. "No gimmicks, no games."

Located south of South Circle Drive and Hancock Expressway, the Springs Connection had a grand re-opening ceremony June 26. The center offers more strains upon request, in addition to massage therapy. Look for a secure, neighborly feel, as well as the cheapest Keef Colas in town, according to employee Mary Meredith.

Family-owned Third Day Apothecary grows all the organic marijuana strains it sells. Having opened this spring, the center carries a wide selection of bubble hash, glass pipes made in Colorado and edibles, including pizza, pasta sauce and cheesecake, developed by an in-house executive chef. Third Day also runs a Compassion Program that offers free medication for terminal patients, with six in the program currently. Call or visit the center for information on how to sign up.

Todays Health Care has some extra incentives for patients who buy over an eighth of an ounce: a once-a-month raffle for prizes like Denver Broncos tickets, or a free ounce. Later this year, the center will give away a Harley Davidson. But on the serious side, Todays Health still offers free rides to medical appointments for terminal cancer patients, even if they're not Todays Health customers. They stock Dixie Flyer sodas, 20 flavors of Mile High Ice Cream, tinctures, pipes and vaporizers, and put on monthly growing classes. Enjoy a 10-percent-off happy hour from 2 to 3 p.m. on weekdays, and $40 eighths and $75 quarters the rest of the time.

Top Buds

Strains: 17 to 25

Powers: 575 Valley St., #10,
591-7411

Hours: Daily, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Look for vaporizers, pipes, bongs, grinders and scales at Top Buds, as well as a variety of edibles, hash and tinctures. Use its growing assistance for personal home care, and receive special prices from 4 to 5 p.m. on its house-grown medication. The center also offers a Canna Club, which can yield you two free eighths of medication per month.

Total Health Concepts

(Two locations)

Strains: 15 to 20

Downtown: 502 S. Weber St., 471-4180

Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Strains: 15 to 20

OCC: 712 W. Colorado Ave.,
635-1169

Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Total Health Concepts, a Denver offshoot, recently opened its second Colorado Springs location. Both centers specialize in $10 grams on a quarter to a half of its inventory. The newest edible, chips and salsa, join candies, cookies, brownies, ice cream and vegan candy bars. Free gated parking is available at the Weber Street location.

uHeal is the brainchild of owner Chris Siegel, an expert in plant growth. "My family's been doing this for close to 40 years in California; I've been at it since I was 13 years old — now I'm 35," Siegel says. With a strong focus on low prices (eighths of an ounce starting at $40 and capping at $50) and high-quality, lab-tested product — "We're trying to provide all of our own meds, grown in Colorado by someone that lives in Colorado" — uHeal has the leafy portion of care covered. From there, look for massage, occupational and physical therapy, as well as nutritional and personal training. In addition to the traditional offerings of balms, rubs, lotions, tinctures, and edibles such as different savories, sodas, cheeses, sweets and hash pills, uHeal also goes holistic with antioxidant herbs, creams and skin lotions.

Owner Drew says Viva Diva di Venti "is the first dispensary to be accepted by KRCC as an underwriter on local public radio." The center bills itself as "discreet and upscale" and is located in a blue house at the corner of Dale Street and Nevada Avenue. Drew says the center "cater[s] to clients who want a stylish, safe, private dispensary with a personal shopper to help select the strain that will address specific needs while tempting the palate." Also see its sister store, Viva Diva, for cancer-patient accessories.

The leaders of We Grow are particularly proud of their house "Papa's Strains," a line of anywhere between three and 12 kinds. Out of Los Angeles, where they also ran a center, they maintain an affiliation with U Grow Academy in Agoura Hills, Calif. We Grow, which is also proud to serve local vets, sells edibles and tinctures, as well as glassware and vaporizers.

Westside Wellness has set out to create a relaxing space that feels like home. That warm and inviting atmosphere plays an important role in the center's community-building activities. Look for a 15-percent discount for veterans, as well as the availability of the California Mist strain. The family-owned and -operated center offers only Colorado-grown strains, edibles, tinctures and lotions, as well as pipes and vaporizers.